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A Lenten Journal: A Pursuit of the Doctrine of Christ (First Monday)

“Which is easier to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, “Rise, take up your pallet and walk’?” Mark 2:9

There is perhaps no greater need that we have than to receive the power of forgiveness. Clothing, food, and shelter are important enough. But, they meet the needs of the body. A cold, naked, and hungry soul cannot be satisfied with human sustenance. Even having full physical health means little without the recovery and restoration of the soul. Earning the wages for basic needs takes labor. To heal the body may take something as simple as a band-aid or a complex medical procedure. To this paralyzed man Jesus freely gives what he is in most need of, forgiveness. There is no evidence of any particular sin he is guilty of, great or small. Yet, Jesus rewards those who diligently seek him as this man and his friends did. The physical healing was the Lord’s response to the critics to show that he does have the ability to forgive sins. The original blessing was forgiveness.

New Morning

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. As people who are spiritually paralyzed, we must diligently seek forgiveness. Certainly, if we are in need of employment, finances, good health, and the like; we should make our petitions to the one who is able to give what we stand in need of. But, these things are outward, secondary blessings. Without the inward original blessing, all other things will come to nothing. With the original blessings, there is the real possibility for others to follow if we have a diligent faith. Seek forgiveness from Jesus Christ.